Repeated tariffs and inconsistent trade policies have made businesses worldwide anxious. Some large stores in the US have already increased prices or cautioned about potential future increases.

In recent months, President Trump has put new import taxes on goods from many of America's trading partners, and some countries, like China, have responded with their own taxes. Although some of the highest taxes have been stopped or lowered, many others still affect businesses.

This happens because companies importing goods pay tariffs, increasing their costs, which are usually passed on to customers. Trump claims these tariffs will boost American manufacturing and investment. However, experts have warned that because modern products often rely on international supply chains, these broad tariffs could lead to higher prices for everyday goods and services.

Many companies, along with their customers, are already experiencing this situation. Several well-known retailers have recently announced or expect price increases due to the current trade disputes.

On Thursday, Walmart joined other major retailers in announcing that it would need to increase prices because of rising costs caused by tariffs.

Although Walmart has taken steps to protect itself from some tariff issues, as a large portion of their goods come from the US, they are still affected. According to company leaders, price increases started in Walmart stores around the end of April and have become more noticeable recently. However, they expect a bigger impact in June and July, which is when many people start buying things for the new school year.

John David Rainey, the company's CFO, highlighted the rising costs of essential goods. He mentioned that bananas imported from Costa Rica have increased from 50 to 54 cents per pound. Furthermore, he anticipates that car seats made in China, currently priced at $350 at Walmart, will probably increase by another $100.

"We naturally aim to maintain low prices, but there's a limit to what we, or any shop, can handle," Rainey explained to The Associated Press.

Mattel, the company that makes Barbie and Hot Wheels, announced earlier in the month that they would also increase prices "where needed" to balance out the costs of tariffs.

The toymaker, which produces 40% of its toys in China, announced potential price increases on May 5th. This was before the US and China agreed to a 90-day pause in increasing most of their high tariffs. However, tariffs on goods from China are still higher than they were before the recent increases last month.

Mattel announced in its recent financial report that it intends to shift production of about 500 products from Chinese factories to suppliers in other countries this year, a significant increase from the 280 products moved last year; for some of its most popular toys, the company will use factories in multiple countries.

In early May, Microsoft increased the suggested retail prices of its Xbox consoles and controllers globally. For example, the Xbox Series S now costs $379.99 in the U.S., which is $80 more than its original price of $299.99 in 2020. Furthermore, the Xbox Series X, which is more powerful, will now be sold for $599.99, a $100 increase from its previous price of $499.99.

In a May 1st update on Xbox support, Microsoft acknowledged that these changes would be difficult, citing "market conditions and the rising cost of development" as reasons, without specifically mentioning tariffs.

Microsoft has also announced Xbox price changes for Europe, the U.K., and Australia, with other countries expected to announce local updates soon. Furthermore, the company plans to increase the price of some new, first-party games to $79.99 later this year.

Last month, major online retailers Temu and Shein separately announced price increases, citing "recent changes in global trade regulations and tariffs" in similar statements.

In late April, shoppers noticed prices increasing on many goods, especially before the May 2 deadline of the de minimis rule, which allowed duty-free imports of low-value Chinese goods. A recent agreement between the U.S. and China has reduced some of the impact, but these items are still subject to taxes; low-value parcels from China arriving via the U.S. Postal Service now face a 54% tariff, reduced from 120%.

Even before this delay, Temu seemed to have stopped shipping goods directly from China, instead using stock already in the US. The company, owned by PDD Holdings, still promotes many products from "local" warehouses, promising US customers "no import fees." At the same time, Shein, based in Singapore, now tells customers at checkout that "Tariffs are included, so you won't pay extra on delivery."

Stanley Black & Decker, a tool manufacturer, announced that after increasing prices in April, they intend to do so again between July and September, due to rising tariffs.

CEO Donald Allan, Jr. stated last month that they are quickly changing their supply network and looking at all possibilities to lessen the effect of tariffs on customers, while also protecting their company's interests.

Procter & Gamble, the well-known consumer goods company behind brands like Crest, Tide, and Charmin, has indicated that they will probably need to increase prices for customers. Last month, P&G announced efforts to lower expenses caused by tariffs, such as changing suppliers to avoid these duties. However, the company warned that shoppers could see prices go up as early as July.